- “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
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Look, helping the less fortunate is the moral duty of all of us. This garbage about Jesus letting bums be bums is just that, garbage. Jesus led prostitutes, criminals and other folks by example. He taught them how not to be losers. Could you imagine his ministry if he let his guys be bums?
- “Where’s Peter? We have to get ready to deliver the message to the masses. What? He’s drunk and not working again? I never should have shown him that water into wine trick.”
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Jesus was not “homeless” as so many t-shirts proclaim. He left home after working as a carpenter to preach and teach. Not to sit on the street and complain. If the bums of America want to take up preaching the Gospel I am all for it. It seems they are not doing that these days.
